Vector Sum (Angle Theta and Magnitude)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the angle theta of a resultant vector using the graphical method, specifically the Tail-to-Tip Method. The original poster presents several illustrations of vectors and seeks guidance on determining the angle without relying on algebraic methods, which they have not yet learned.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions whether to measure the angle of the resultant vector from the positive x-axis and expresses uncertainty about the graphical method. They also inquire about the proper procedure for measuring angle theta using a protractor. Other participants ask about the magnitudes and directions of the initial vectors and suggest that measuring the resultant vector's length and direction could yield a rough estimate.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different aspects of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding measuring angles and the importance of vector representation, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that they are not yet familiar with algebraic methods for vector addition, which may influence their understanding and approach to the problem. They also express concern about the accuracy of their illustrations.

frozonecom
Messages
63
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Untitled.png


Untitled1.png


Untitled2.png


I made those illustrations up. :) We are asked to find the angle theta using the graphical method (Tail-to-Tip Method)
From these examples, Vector A + Vector B + Vector C = Resultant Vector

How to find angle theta of Resultant Vector?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



So, should I measure the angle of the resultant vector from the positive x-axis or is my understanding wrong? All I can find on the net is algebraic method and I can't even understand this graphical method yet.

So, from illustration number 1, should it be somewhere close to 90 to 110 degrees?
I don't even have a clue on how to know the angle theta of illustrations 2 and 3.

I know using the algebraic method is much accurate and useful, but our teacher hasn't even taught us that yet. So please, someone help me? :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, what were the magnitudes/directions of the initial vectors? How did you decide what direction they pointed/how long they were?

If you did indeed draw the vectors perfectly, then you can get not-super-accurate value for the resulting vector just by measuring it's length and direction.
 
Well, I didn't mind putting the values since I'd still be doing the measuring using the protractor by myself. I know how to measure the magnitude, I'm just asking how / what is the proper procedure in measuring angle theta using a protractor as described in the graphical method.

But if it helps here it is:

Illustration 1:
Vector A= Southwest, 8 cm
Vector B= East, 6 cm

Illustration 2:
Vector A= West, 4 cm
Vector B= 20 Degrees South of East , 5 cm
Vector C= 57 Degrees South of West, 8 cm

Illustration 3:
Vector A= SouthWest, 7 cm
Vector B= East, 4 cm

Hope you can help me with this. :) And sorry if it is so inaccurate, I did try my best to make it look like my drawing in my paper. :)
 
Have you done trigonometry? I am inclined to believe you have.
Surely you can find the unknown angle pretty easily?

You needn't draw the sketch perfectly, the important thing is the values with which you do the maths.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K